About St. Mark’s
Situated in the historic West Bluff and adjacent to Bradley University, St. Mark’s has been uniquely positioned as a beacon of hope, faith, and education in Peoria since its founding in 1891. Our 350 parish families come from every age group; they are generous, welcoming, and proud of their heritage. Our school offers a quality private school PK–8 education to both parish and non-parish families and provides an authentically Catholic environment which fosters academic excellence, strong character, and reverence for our great traditions. Additionally, our ethnically and economically diverse community manifests the beauty of God’s family. In a special way, the school enjoys robust support from our parishioners who recognize that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.
About the Role
Our new Director of Advancement will build upon the exceptional and very successful efforts of our previous fundraiser. To amplify our mission, we are seeking a dynamic, hardworking, and mission-driven Directory of Advancement to advance our school’s development, communications, and enrollment efforts. This individual will play a key role in strengthening the school’s financial sustainability through fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement, while also promoting the value of a private faith-based education. This individual will also assist with parish fundraising by strategically guiding parishioners’ giving through the weekly offertory, major gifts, estate planning, and other campaigns.
What You Will Do
- Fundraising – Recruit and Collaborate with volunteers while overseeing school and parish fundraising initiatives, including the Fund for St. Mark’s School Annual Appeal and the St. Mark’s School Dinner-Auction; cultivate and steward donor relationships to develop and sustain annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving; maintain donor database; research and submit grants; help secure support for tuition assistance; monitor and develop government-aided tax credit scholarship program.
- Communications – Manage newsletters (print and digital), social media, and other platforms to enhance visibility and support enrollment growth; cultivate relationships with parish, school, and community stakeholders.
- Enrollment Management – Lead student recruitment and retention efforts; collaborate with partner parishes to encourage Catholic families to consider St. Mark’s School; guide marketing and outreach efforts.
- Report regularly to the pastor and principal on advancement goals, strategies, and outcomes.
- Collaborate with St. Joseph Newman Center staff to maximize advancement between the school, parish, and the Newman Center at Bradley University.
What You Bring
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or fundraising certification preferred.
- 3–5 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, marketing, or related fields.
- Proven track record in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Demonstrated communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency with fundraising databases and digital communication tools.
Top Candidates Will Also Have
- Experience in donor relations, event planning, and grant writing.
- Familiarity with charitable giving in the Peoria area which might be supportive of faith-based education
- Certification in fundraising (CFRE or similar).
- Experience with capital campaigns.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
What You Will Get
We value our employees and, for Full-time employees, offer Total Rewards package to support your overall well-being, including:
- Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000, based on skills and experience.
- The salary offered may vary depending on several individualized factors including, but not limited to, job level, skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and training. Please note salary is only one component of the Total Rewards package.
- Medical, dental, prescription, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Retirement Savings: A 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
- Long-term disability coverage
- Life Insurance
How to Apply
- Submit your application through https://www.applitrack.com/cdop/onlineapp/ by December 1, 2025.
